How to remove SKUNK Ransomware and decrypt .SKUNK files

What is SKUNK Ransomware

SKUNK Ransomware is a type of malicious software developed to encrypt a victim’s files and disrupt their access, adding a layer of complexity to digital security issues. When it infects a system, it appends a distinctive file extension, .SKUNK, to the names of all encrypted files, thereby marking them as compromised and inaccessible. For instance, a document named report.docx would appear as report.docx.SKUNK after encryption. The ransomware employs robust encryption algorithms, often utilizing either symmetric or asymmetric cryptography to secure the data, thus making the decryption process without the proper key a formidable challenge. Infected systems display a ransom note to the user, commonly found in a text file named READ_THIS.TXT and within desktop wallpaper and pop-up notifications. These notes detail the attacker’s demands and claim the malware attack as a protest against the prosecution laws related to malware development, rather than explicitly demanding a monetary ransom. Despite this, the threat remains as files cannot be accessed without complying with the given conditions.

Regarding tools for decrypting files affected by SKUNK Ransomware, there are currently no publicly available decryption tools. This implies that decrypting the .SKUNK files without the perpetrator’s private key or intervention is virtually impossible. Victims are advised against complying with ransom demands or suggested actions due to the high risk of scams and potential additional threats such as further malware distribution on their networks. Instead, emphasis is placed on the importance of regular data backups as a preventative measure against such incidents, allowing users to restore their data without having to decrypt the affected files directly. For those already impacted, employing data recovery tools like Recuva may offer some hope of file restoration by retrieving copies of data stored prior to encryption. However, these tools are not guaranteed to recover all lost data, and their success relies heavily on the extent of encryption and the integrity of previously saved system data.

How SKUNK Ransomware infects computers

SKUNK Ransomware infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive methods, primarily leveraging phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals typically disguise the malicious payload within seemingly benign files such as email attachments, which often come in the form of documents, executables, or compressed archives. These files are often distributed via spam emails, which use misleading subject lines and messages to entice recipients into opening them. Additionally, SKUNK Ransomware can spread through compromised websites that host drive-by downloads, where malware is automatically downloaded and installed without user consent. It can also propagate through malicious ads and fake software updates downloaded from untrustworthy sources. Once executed, SKUNK not only encrypts files but also attempts to spread across local networks and connected storage devices, amplifying its impact.

1. Download SKUNK Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .SKUNK files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like SKUNK Ransomware

SKUNK Ransomware files:


READ_THIS.TXT
{randomname}.exe


SKUNK Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .SKUNK files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .SKUNK files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .SKUNK files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with SKUNK Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .SKUNK files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like SKUNK Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. SKUNK Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro